AB de Villiers’ 25th ODI century: Five takeaways from this knock

South Africa batsman AB de Villiers made a comeback to the national side in ODIs after a break. He smashed a 104-ball-176 in the second ODI against Bangladesh, making a mockery of the visitors’ bowling attack.

Here are the five takeaways from his sensational knock:

Scored a century after 613 days

AB de Villiers’ last ODI century came in February 2016 against England when he scored an unbeaten 101 in Cape Town. He had to wait for 22 innings to score his 25th ODI century. This is not something which you can relate to a batsman of AB de Villiers’ class.

AB de Villiers completed his 25th century in 2nd ODI against Bangladesh

First ODI century against Bangladesh

The 25th ODI century of AB de Villiers came against Bangladesh, which is also his first against the South Asian nation. Before this game, de Villiers had made no century against the Bangla Tigers.

Made centuries against all full-member teams

With this century against Bangladesh, AB de Villiers has now scored centuries against all full-member teams except Afghanistan and Ireland, who are new entrants in the club and obviously, South Africa have played fewer games against them.

AB de Villiers 68-ball-100 is his 6th fastest ton in ODIs thus far

6th century by AB de Villiers in less than 70 balls

To make his 25th ODI century, AB de Villiers took just 68 balls and this is the 6th time he has taken less than 70 balls to reach the ton. Previously, he has completed a century in ODIs in 31 balls against West Indies in 2015. His second fastest century came against West Indies again in 2015 where he smashed the ton in 52 balls. He scored a century in just 58 balls against India in 2010 and then in just 57 balls against the same opponent in 2015. His fifth fastest century came against Sri Lanka in 2014 where he scored it in just 66 balls and now against Bangladesh, he scored the century in just 68 balls, making it his 6th fastest century.

12th century stand between Amla and de Villiers

Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers clearly enjoy batting with each other. The duo formed a partnership of 136 runs in the second ODI against Bangladesh, which is the 12th 100-run stand between them. No other pair from South Africa has recorded so many 100-run stands. Way to go!